ELMHURST -- Smiles, handshakes and applause dominated the score sheet as the Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Association feted the cream of its crop of student-athletes during the 44th annual Boys Soccer Honors Banquet 2014 on Thursday night at the Diplomat West Banquet Hall.

With more than 750 attendees on hand in the packed dining room, the IHSSCA recognized players, coaches and teams in a variety of categories.

Evan Floersch, a senior defender who helped Hinsdale Central capture the IHSA Class 3A championship this season, earned the Player of the Year Award.

"The feeling is indescribable -- a lot of emotion," Floersch said. "I couldn't have done it without my teammates, and my coach (Mike Wiggins) -- a great guy and a great coach. It goes back to those days before the season starts. We go out and do everything we can to get better as a team, understanding what it takes to get better. There's nothing special that I did. It's the people around me, and my family, that makes me a better player -- and person.

"Winning a state championship -- for the first time since 1975 -- I think the title was for all the other teams that didn't quite make it. So that's the most special thing about (earning Player of the Year), helping to make my team be as great as it can be."

Wiggins said he wasn't surprised that Floersch took home the award.

"We've known what a player he is, seeing where he is now from the start (of his career), and we're proud to see that development," Wiggins said. "He's got all the attributes of a good defender, plus he's very coachable. For me, it's an honor to be his high school coach."

On the coaching side, Fremd's Steve Keller was named IHSSCA Coach of the Year. The 16-year Vikings leader guided his side to a 20-6-1 overall mark and a third-place finish in the Class 3A state tournament. Keller won his 200th career game this season and holds a 212-122-61 mark with five top-four state finishes

"To think of all the coaches in Illinois ... the people I've learned from -- it's a special honor. Anytime you're recognized by peers, that stands out," Keller said. "But you've gotta have the players to be a successful program, and we've had plenty at Fremd. This year is no different.

"Attitude, character -- without that, there's not much a coach can do. You're trying to mold your team, and that's why we (coaches) do this. I always say, 'I don't like losing, but I can accept it if we play to our potential.' That's the goal, and from there anything can happen."

Peter Ginter (Section 2), of Willowbrook, and Rick Prangen (Section 13), of Lemont, were the other finalists for the award.

Boylan's Mark Couper was named the Assistant Coach of the Year. Finalists for the award included Todd Elkei (Lockport) and Bernie Kehoe (St. Charles East). Geneva coach Ryan Estabrook took Soccer Person of the Year honors over Hononegah coach Vee Jevreovic and Barrington assistant Tony Kees.

Honored for the top coaching milestones this season were: Mike Taylor (Saint Viator, 500 wins) and Prangen (300).

Former Marmion Academy coach Kevin O'Connor, who ended his career with a fourth place finish in the 2011 Class 2A state finals, received the IHSSCA Hall of Fame Award. Prior to his 16-year run leading the Cadets, O'Connor (302-126-24 lifetime) coached at Batavia and Rosary high schools.

During his acceptance speech, O'Connor said he was "deeply humbled and incredibly honored" to earn the distinction, and that he reveres "magical moments in the joyous times of winning and in the heartbreaking times of defeat, the wonderful relationships formed through the beautiful game of soccer, and memories that extend way beyond the pitch."

Afterward, O'Connor beamed with pride as he discussed coaching his two sons (Reilly, Class of 2000; and Cory, Class of 2002) at Marmion, as well as in youth leagues. Reilly O'Connor went on to play NCAA Division I soccer at Loyola University, and Cory competed at Lake Forest College.

"Family is most important to me, so coaching my own kids was very special -- and my boys were my brain on the field," the elder O'Connor said. "(The Hall of Fame Award) is very little about me -- it's all about our teams. I always taught my teams it's just as important to get an assist as a goal ... it's how we play as a team. As a result of that, there was a great deal of trust among our players, and it was put on display -- and that trust factor carried us along.

"As a coach, you're put in a position to have an impact on young people's lives, and that was so important to me. To this day, it's a blessing to have been their coach -- a term of endearment."

The Myro Rys Sportsmanship Award went to Wheaton Warrenville South.

"It's easier said than done in a culture of winning," said coach Guy Callipari. "For us, (the award) encompasses the ambiance that comes from the program -- from the stands to the pitch. We want a program that maintains the integrity of the game: play fair, respect the opposition, the officials and the game. And that's a culture we bring to the program.

"Life lessons can be learned, and can change the way you see things if you focus on certain priorities and values. So we're very grateful for this (award). It's a tribute to our family and community."Winnebago (Section 8) and Lincoln-Way North (Section 14) were finalists for the award. De La Salle, Fenton, St. Charles North, Highland Park Dundee-Crown, Pleasant Plains, Metamora Kelly and Lockport were recognized in their sections

Preceding the slew of awards that included the presentation of All-State and All-Sectional and All-Sectional Honorable Mention awards to honorees who were in attendance, the Chicago Fire's David Quinn honored members of the MLS team's Boys All-State All-Academic First and Second teams. He noted that this year's list of 134 nominees represented the largest number since 2007, and featured 83 team captains, 45 who scored 32 or above on ACT tests, and 16 valedictorians.

"These kids, what they do is incredible," said Quinn, a former high school coach St. Gregory, Notre Dame, Regina, Marillac and Addison Trail. "They're really active -- involved in a lot of stuff. They're organized ... able to determine what needs to be done -- now and later. And there's the competitiveness. When you're competitive on the field, you also take that off the field. I'm sure a lot of these kids will become leaders in life and achievers. They're people you'd be proud to say, it's your kid."

Serving as the banquet's master of ceremonies was the IHSSCA's girls soccer vice president Brian Papa, who's amassed more than 300 wins as a soccer coach at Sandburg, Lincoln-Way and Lincoln-Way East.

Surveying the packed banquet hall, Papa said, "This is amazing. If you're not impressed, I don't know what you're looking for. For these kids, and coaches, it's a deserving honor, and they should get recognized for their achievements.

"I want to congratulate all of them -- the parents, too. Everything they get, they deserve."